FAQ

Trawling is a method of fishing that involves pulling a fishing net through the water behind one or more boats. The net that is used for trawling is called a trawl.
The boats that are used for trawling are called trawlers. Trawlers vary in size around the world; from small open boats with only 30 hp engines to large factory trawlers. On the west coast, the average trawler is about 70ft long and has a crew of 3.Trawling can be carried out by one trawler or by two trawlers fishing cooperatively (pair trawling), although pair trawling is not practiced on the west coast.
Trawling can be contrasted with trolling, where baited fishing lines instead of trawls are drawn through the water. Trolling is used both for recreational and commercial fishing whereas trawling is used mainly for commercial fishing.

Each fishing boat owner pays an assessment fee on trawl caught products according to Oregon Statute. The first purchaser (i.e. processor) collects the fee at the time of delivery and forwards it on to the Oregon Trawl Commission office.

Additional Resources

For more historical information on the west coast bottom trawl industry click on link: Trawling Gear in California 1948